English Expressions about greetings

[juliana0403]

Hi, I have a question about English expressions about greetings.

Do native speakers of English often use "how do you do", when

they meet someone first time?

My next question is the expression "Not much".

As response to greeting, "Not much" is too formal?

Actually, two expressions above are commonly taught to students in Korea.

But someone told me native speakers of English rarely use those expressions.

Is that true?

[Tdol]

Yes, people use 'How do you do' when meeting someone, but normally in a failry formal context.

I wouldn't use 'Not much' as a response to a greeting- can you give me an example of how it is taught?

[juliana0403]

Thank you for your answer.
In Korea, we usually learn this expression ,"Not much" as the same
expression as" Nothing special", "Nothing new".

[Tdol]

That's not an appropriate response for 'How do you do?', where the response is n ormally to repeat the phrase. If someone asks, 'What's happening/going on, etc?' then 'Not much' would be fine.

[kkookk2003]

Originally Posted by Tdol

That's not an appropriate response for 'How do you do?', where the response is normally to repeat the phrase.

Hi,

I'm afraid I didn't quite follow you. Wouldn't it be appropriate to reply "I'm fine, thank you. And how about you?"

Regards,

Ben

[Tdol]

No:

A How do you do?
B How do you do?

This is a formulaic question used when meeting someone for the first time, and fairly formal. It is not a question about health, etc.

C How are you?
D I'm fine thanks. And how about you?

[kkookk2003]

So it's a question that you don't actually answer. You just reciprocate with the same question which conveys a feeling of mutual respect or concern for the other person as well. Is that right?

Ben

[curmudgeon]

You can even reduce it further to 'Fine. And you?